Documentary Family Awards
March 11, 2022

I photograph families in all different capacities, but documentary family photography is really where my heart is at. For me, The Documentary Family Awards (DFAs) are the gold standard for the photos I aspire to make. The idea of photographing families in a documentary way is a relatively new concept and I appreciate the way the DFAs has worked to highlight the beauty and importance of everyday moments. This international photography contest includes two rounds of critical review culminating in their final selection during a live-stream judging. The DFAs are like the Super Bowl for documentary family photographers, but maybe with a twist of reality TV because you can watch the judges' unfiltered discussion as they debate their choices throughout the award selection process. It’s intense!

I have entered the DFAs every single round since the awards inception. In the beginning my photos didn’t even make it to the live judging, but I kept coming back because the feedback was so valuable. Eventually some of my photos started to show up in the live judging but didn’t get that beautiful “in” all photographers want to hear to advance their photo into award consideration. I remember my elation when I was finally awarded an “honorable mention.” Then eventually a top ten award. This last round of the awards I was blown away when my “Daddy” series received second place in the photo story category and my “Self Portraits of Motherhood” series received second place in the photo series category. I also received multiple awards for my individual images. I still haven’t wrapped my head around it, but I want to share these photos with you because they represent the work I am most proud of.

DADDY Second Place in the Photo Story Category

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SELF PORTRAITS OF MOTHERHOOD Second Place in the Photo Series Category

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INDIVIDUAL IMAGES

First Place in the “Nothing Is Better Than Real Life” Category

Honorable Mention in the “Person’s Best Friend” Category

Congrats to all the DFA award winners. I was blown away by your work this round. Huge thanks to the live judges- Kirsten Lewis Bethmann, Jenna Shouldice, and Carl-Philippe Juste for all of your thoughtful feedback, guidance, and love for this genre of photography. Thanks to the preliminary judges- Irmina Walczak, Julia Chang-Lomonico, and Zun Lee for evaluated every single submission received and selecting those to move forward to the live-judging round as finalists.